Reconfigurable Rocking Chair

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes a rocking chair reconfigurable between multiple configurations and rocking motions. The chair comprises upper and lower portions, a lockable/releasable swivel assembly that relatively rotates the upper and lower portions between first and second configurations, and multiple lockable/releasable leg end repositioning assemblies that change the chair&#39;s leg end positions relative to the chair&#39;s runners between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the chair&#39;s back is generally perpendicular to the runners&#39; longitudinal direction, the leg ends are positioned in first positions relative to the runners&#39; end-to-end midpoint, and the rocking motion moves a user forward and backward in a traditional, first rocking motion. In the second configuration, the chair&#39;s back is generally parallel to the runners&#39; longitudinal direction, the leg ends are positioned in second positions relative to the runners&#39; end-to-end midpoint, and the rocking motion moves a user side-to-side in a non-traditional, second rocking motion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally, to the field of furniture and,more particularly, to the field of rocking chairs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rocking chairs have been manufactured and used for many years.Traditionally, most rocking chairs have a seat, a back, a pair of arms,legs, and a pair of opposed runners. The legs typically connect betweenthe seat and the runners, with each runner having an arcuate shapeextending longitudinally forward and backward in partial contact with asurface on which the runners and rocking chair rest. Such rocking chairsmove a user sitting in the rocking chair in a gentle forward andbackward rocking motion in response to the user alternately applying andremoving a force on the chair's back that causes portions of the chair'srunners to successively engage and disengage the surface beneath therunners. The gentle forward and backward rocking motion provides theuser with a soothing, relaxing sensation and may cause the user (or, forexample, an infant held by the user) to become so relaxed that he/shefalls asleep.

For many users, the traditional configuration and gentle forward andbackward rocking motion of a conventional rocking chair is satisfactory.However, other users may find the traditional configuration and gentleforward and backward rocking motion to be boring and may desire arocking chair having a different configuration and/or a differentrocking motion. Still other users may find the traditional configurationand gentle forward and backward rocking motion to be satisfactory sometimes, but may desire a rocking chair with a different configurationand/or a different rocking motion at other times. Therefore, there is aneed in the industry for a rocking chair having a differentconfiguration than traditional rocking chairs and that provides adifferent rocking motion during use, and that solves these and otherdifficulties, shortcomings, or problems of current technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly described, the present invention comprises a reconfigurablerocking chair that has multiple configurations, multiple rockingmotions, and that is reconfigurable between multiple configurations androcking motions in response to user input. In accordance with an exampleembodiment described herein, the reconfigurable rocking chair comprisesan upper portion, a lower portion, and a lockable/releasable swivelassembly mounted between the upper and lower portions such that therocking chair's upper portion is rotatable relative to the rockingchair's lower portion about a generally vertical axis between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration. In the first configuration,the upper and lower portions are configured relative to one another suchthat a perpendicular extending from the seat side of the chair's backextends in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal directionof the chair's runners and the chair's rocking motion moves a userforward and backward in a traditional, first rocking motion. In suchfirst configuration, the rocking chair's leg ends are positioned infirst positions relative to the end-to-end midpoint of the chair'srunners with the first leg ends farthest from such midpoint and thesecond leg ends nearest such midpoint, thereby orienting the chair'scenter of gravity farther away from the midpoint of the chair's runnersand nearer the runner's first ends and more easily enabling the rockingchair to move the user forward and backward. In the secondconfiguration, the upper and lower portions are configured such that aperpendicular extending from the seat side of the chair's back extendsin a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ofthe chair's runners and the chair's rocking motion moves a userside-to-side in a non-traditional, second rocking motion. In such secondconfiguration, the rocking chair's leg ends are positioned in secondpositions relative to the end-to-end midpoint of the chair's runnerswith the first and second leg ends substantially equidistant from suchmidpoint, thereby orienting the chair's center of gravity in generalalignment with the midpoint of the chair's runners and more easilyenabling the rocking chair to move the user side-to-side.

As described herein with respect to the example embodiment, the rockingchair's lockable/releasable swivel assembly comprises upper and lowermounting plates defining respective races that receive a plurality ofbearings therein, thereby enabling and permitting relative rotationbetween the upper and lower mounting plates (and, hence, relationrotation between the chair's upper and lower portions) while supportingand transferring loads. The rocking chair's lockable/releasable swivelassembly further comprises a latch subassembly for locking the chair'supper and lower portions relative to one another when in the first orsecond configurations and for releasing the chair's upper and lowerportions from one another so as to permit reconfiguration of the rockingchair (and repositioning of the chair's upper and lower portionsrelative to one another) between the first and second configurations.

As also described herein with respect to the example embodiment, therocking chair's lower portion comprises multiple lockable/releasable legend repositioning assemblies for, respectively, locking the leg ends ofeach chair leg in first and second positions relative to the runnerswhen the rocking chair is, respectively, in the first and secondconfigurations and for releasing the leg ends to permit repositioning ofthe leg ends between their first and second positions (and, hence,reconfiguring of the rocking chair between the chair's first and secondconfigurations). The lockable/releasable leg end repositioningassemblies each comprise multiple guides, multiple roller subassemblies,and an actuator mechanism that are operative in response to user inputto lock, release and reposition the rocking chair's leg ends relative tothe chair's runners.

Advantageously, the reconfigurable rocking chair is operable to move auser in a traditional, forward and backward, first rocking motion or ina non-traditional, side-to-side, second rocking motion. Alsoadvantageously, the rocking chair's lockable/releasable swivel assemblyand lockable/releasable leg end repositioning assemblies enable easy andrapid reconfiguration of the rocking chair in response to user inputbetween first and second configurations corresponding, respectively, tosuch first and second rocking motions, thereby allowing a user to selectand change between desired rocking motions.

Other uses, advantages and benefits of the present invention may becomeapparent upon reading and understanding the present specification whentaken in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays a perspective view of a reconfigurable rocking chair ina first configuration in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 displays an elevational view of the reconfigurable rocking chairof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays an elevational view of the reconfigurable rocking chairin a second configuration in accordance with the example embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 displays a partial, perspective view of an undercarriage of thereconfigurable rocking chair of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 displays a partial, perspective view of the undercarriage of thereconfigurable rocking chair of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 displays a partial, perspective view of a leg end repositioningassembly of the undercarriage of the reconfigurable rocking chair.

FIG. 7 displays an exploded view of an actuator mechanism of the leg endrepositioning assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 displays an exploded view of a first roller assembly of the legend repositioning assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 displays an exploded view of a second roller assembly of the legend repositioning assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 10 displays an exploded view of the swivel assembly of FIGS. 1, 2and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent likeelements or steps throughout the several views, FIG. 1 displays aperspective view of a reconfigurable rocking chair 100 in a firstconfiguration in accordance with an example embodiment. Thereconfigurable rocking chair 100 (also sometimes referred to herein asthe “rocking chair 100” or “chair 100”) has an upper portion 102, alower portion 104, and a lockable/releasable swivel assembly 106 fixedlymounted to and substantially between the upper and lower portions 102,104 such that the upper and lower portions 102, 104 are rotatable abouta generally vertical axis 108 (see FIG. 2) relative to one another.Through such rotation, the rocking chair 100 is reconfigurable in afirst configuration (as seen in FIG. 1 and in the elevational view ofFIG. 2) and a second configuration (as seen in the elevational view ofFIG. 3). In the first configuration, comprising what most persons wouldconsider to be a conventional rocking chair configuration, the upper andlower portions 102, 104 are in a non-rotated relationship such that auser sitting in the rocking chair 100 faces generally in a directiondefined by the longitudinal direction (indicated by arrow 110) in whichthe chair's runners 150 extend and the rocking chair 100 moves the userin a traditional, forward and backward, first rocking motion. In thesecond configuration, the upper and lower portions 102, 104 are rotatedninety (90) degrees relative to one another about vertical axis 108 in arotated relationship such that a user sitting in the rocking chair 100faces generally in a direction substantially perpendicular (indicated byarrow 112) to the longitudinal direction in which the runners 150 extendand the rocking chair 100 moves the user in a non-traditional,side-to-side, second rocking motion.

The chair's upper portion 102 has a seat 114, back 116, arm member 118and opposed frame members 120. Each frame member 120 defines a generally“L-shape” having a short leg 122 and a long leg 124 extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the short leg 122. The seat 114 issecurely mounted atop the short legs 122 of the opposed frame members120 and has an upper surface 126 that is contoured for a user to sitcomfortably thereon. The back 116 extends and is securely connected toand between the long legs 124 of the opposed frame members 120. The back116 has an upper stretcher 128 and a vertically opposed lower stretcher130 that each extend between the long legs 124 of the frame members 120.The upper and lower stretchers 128, 130 have a generally arcuate shapewhen viewed in top plan view so as to comfortably receive a user's backthereagainst during use. A plurality of spindles 132 extend between theupper and lower stretchers 128, 130 to provide support for a user'sback.

The arm member 118 comprises a generally “U-shaped” member when viewedin top plan view and has first and second ends 134, 136. The arm member118 extends behind and adjacent to the lower stretcher 130 and isfixedly secured to the lower stretcher 130 such that a first arm memberportion 138 extends proximate a first edge 140 of the rocking chair'sseat 114 and a second arm member portion 142 extends proximate a secondedge 144 of the rocking chair's seat 114. The first and second armmember portions 138, 142 are vertically elevated relative to the seat114 such that a user may comfortably rest his/her arms atop and on thefirst and second arm member portions 138, 142. Grips 146, 148 aresecured, respectively, to the first and second arm member portions 138,142 near the first and second ends 134, 136 of the arm member 118 toprovide a user with handholds that may be gripped by the user's handswhen entering, exiting or using the rocking chair 100.

The lower portion 104 (also, perhaps, referred to herein as the“undercarriage 104”) of the rocking chair 100 comprises a pair ofrunners 150A, 150B and a pair of legs 152A, 152B that extend,respectively, between the runners 150A, 150B and the chair'slockable/releasable swivel assembly 106. Each runner 150 has a first end154 and an opposed second 156 distant from the first end 154, with eachrunner 150 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends154, 156 thereof. Each runner 150 also has an upper surface 158 and alower surface 160 generally opposed to the upper surface 158. The lowersurface 160 of each runner 150 substantially defines an arcuate shapebetween the first and second ends 154, 156 thereof such that a portionof the lower surface 160 of each runner 150 is always in contact with asurface beneath the rocking chair 100 as the rocking chair 100 moves ina rocking motion. Stretchers 162 extend laterally between and arefixedly secured to the runners 150, and maintain the geometricalrelationship and orientation of each runner 150 relative to the otherrunner 150.

Each leg 152 of the rocking chair's lower portion 104 has first andsecond ends 170, 172 and comprises a first descending segment 174, asecond descending segment 176, and an intermediate segment 178 extendingbetween the first and second ends 170, 172. The intermediate segment 178of each leg 152 extends between and joins the leg's first and seconddescending segments 174, 176. Each leg 152 is associated and worksoperatively with a respective runner 150. The first end 170 of each leg152 is located near the first end 154 of the respective runner 150 withwhich the leg 152 is operative. The second end 172 of each leg 152 islocated near the second end 156 of the respective runner 150 with whichthe leg 152 is operative.

Additionally, the lower portion 104 of the rocking chair 100 compriseslockable/releasable leg end repositioning assemblies 180 that areoperable to move the first and second ends 170, 172 of the legs 152between first and second positions respectively associated with therocking chair's first and second configurations. Eachlockable/releasable leg end repositioning assembly 180 (also sometimesreferred to herein as a “leg end repositioning assembly 180” or“assembly 180”) is uniquely associated and operable with a particularrunner 150 and leg 152. Each leg end repositioning assembly 180 includesfirst and second guides 182, 184 for its associated runner 150. Thefirst guide 182 is fixedly attached to the upper surface 158 of theassembly's associated runner 150 at a location generally near therunner's first end 154. The first guide 182 is positioned at the samedistance from the runner's first end 154 as the first guide 182associated with the chair's other runner 150 such that the first guides182 are laterally opposed to one another. The second guide 184 isfixedly attached to the upper surface 158 of the assembly's associatedrunner 150 at a location generally near the runner's second end 156. Thesecond guide 184 is positioned at the same distance from the runner'ssecond end 156 as the second guide 184 associated with the other runner150 such that, similar to the first guides 182, the second guides 184are laterally opposed to one another.

Each first guide 182 comprises an elongate inboard leg 186 and anelongate outboard leg 188 laterally opposed and parallel to the inboardleg 186 (see also, FIG. 4 in which the first and second ends 170, 172 ofthe legs 152 are positioned in their first position corresponding to thechair's first configuration and FIG. 5 in which the first and secondends 170, 172 of the legs 152 are positioned in their second positioncorresponding to the chair's second configuration). The inboard andoutboard legs 186, 188 protrude in a generally upward direction from arunner's upper surface 158 and are separated laterally by a distancesufficient to snugly receive a first roller assembly 240 (describedbelow) therebetween. The inboard legs 186 are nearest the stretchers162, while the outboard legs 188 are farthest from the stretchers 162.

Each first guide 182 has a first end 190 located nearest a runner'sfirst end 154 and a second end 192 distant from the first end 190. Theinboard legs 186 define first and second holes 194, 196 extending in thelateral direction therethrough, with the first hole 194 being proximatethe guide's first end 190 and the second hole 196 being proximate theguide's second end 192. The outboard legs 188 define a slot 198extending therethrough in the lateral direction and having a first end200 near the guide's first end 190 and a second end 202 near the guide'ssecond end 192. The locations of the first and second holes 194, 196 aredefined to correspond, respectively, with the first and second ends 200,202 of the guide's slot 198 such that a retractable pin 288 (describedbelow) extending through the first hole 194 also extends through theslot 198 near the slot's first end 200 and a retractable pin 288(described below) extending through the second hole 196 also extendsthrough the slot 198 near the slot's second end 202.

Similar to each first guide 182, each second guide 184 comprises anelongate inboard leg 210 and an elongate outboard leg 212 laterallyopposed and parallel to the inboard leg 210. The inboard and outboardlegs 210, 212 protrude in a generally upward direction from a runner'supper surface 158 and are separated laterally by a distance sufficientto snugly receive a second roller assembly 300 therebetween. The inboardlegs 210 are nearest the stretchers 162, while the outboard legs 212 arefarthest from the stretchers 162. Each second guide 184 has a first end214 located nearest a runner's first end 154 and a second end 216distant from the first end 214. The inboard legs 210 define a slot 218extending laterally therethrough and having a first end 220 near theguide's first end 214 and a second end 222 near the guide's second end216. Similarly, the outboard legs 212 define a slot 224 extendinglaterally therethrough and having a first end 226 near the guide's firstend 214 and a second end 228 near the guide's second end 216. The slots218, 224 are configured substantially parallel to one another such thatthe first end 220 of slot 218 corresponds to the first end 226 of slot224 and the second end 222 of slot 218 corresponds to the second end 228of slot 224.

Each leg end repositioning assembly 180 also includes a first rollerassembly 240 attached to each first descending segment 174 of each leg152. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, each first roller assembly 240comprises a foot 242 coupled at the first end 170 of each leg 152 and inwhich a roller 244 is mounted for rotation about a laterally extendingaxis through hole 246. The foot 242 and roller 244 are sized so as tofit laterally between the inboard and outboard legs 186, 188 of a firstguide 182, thereby enabling rolling of the roller 244 between theinboard and outboard legs 186, 188 atop and relative to the uppersurface 158 of a respective runner 150 and enabling translation of thefirst end 170 of the respective leg 152 relative to the upper surface158 of the respective runner 150. The foot 242 defines a hole 246extending laterally through the foot 242 for receiving a retractable pin288 therein.

Each leg end repositioning assembly 180 additionally includes anactuator mechanism 260 (as seen in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 8) operable forlocking the assembly's first roller assembly 240 relative to itsrespective first guide 182 and runner 150 in a first position (see FIGS.2 and 4) in which the rocking chair 100 is in its first configuration(see FIGS. 1 and 2), for locking the assembly's first roller assembly240 relative to its respective first guide 182 and runner 150 in asecond position (see FIGS. 3 and 5) in which the rocking chair 100 is inits second configuration (see FIG. 3), and for releasing the assembly'sfirst roller assembly 240 for repositioning and reconfiguration of thefirst roller assembly 240 between its first and second positions (and,hence, reconfiguration of the rocking chair 100 between its first andsecond configurations). The actuator mechanism 260 is also operable forpermitting repositioning and reconfiguration of the assembly's secondroller assembly 300 (described below) relative to its second guide 184between the second roller assembly's first position (see FIGS. 2 and 4)and second position (see FIGS. 3 and 5) which correspond, respectively,to the first roller assembly's first position and second position.

Each actuator mechanism 260 has a mounting bracket 262 attached to andpartially about the outboard side of the first descending segment 174 ofa respective leg 152 via fasteners 264. The mounting bracket 262 has anoutwardly protruding clevis 266, with each clevis prong 268 defining anaperture 270 coaxially-aligned with an opposed aperture 270 of the otherclevis prong 268. Each actuator mechanism 260 also has a lever arm 272pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket 262. The lever arm 272 has afirst end 274 and a second end 276 distant from the first end 274, andhas a tang 278 protruding intermediate the lever arm's first and secondends 274, 276. The tang 278 defines an aperture 280 extendingtherethrough which receives a clevis pin 282 to pivotally couple thetang 278 (and, hence, the lever arm 272) to the clevis 266 between theclevis prongs 268. A biasing member 284 is mounted about the clevis pin282 and between the tang 278 and clevis 266. The biasing member 284biases the lever arm 272 relative to the mounting bracket 262 such that,when no force is applied to the lever arm 272, the lever arm's first end274 tends to reside in a position farthest from the outboard side of thefirst descending segment 174 of a respective leg 152 and the lever arm'ssecond end 276 tends to reside in a position nearest the outboard sideof the first descending segment 174 of the respective leg 152. A cap 286is secured to the lever arm 272 at the lever arm's first end 274 forreceiving a user's hand and a force applied to the lever arm 272 by theuser's hand.

The lever arm 272 has a laterally-extending, retractable pin 288 securedto the lever arm 272 at the lever arm's second end 276 via a ball andsocket coupling 290 formed by a ball 292 of the lever arm 272 and asocket 294 of the retractable pin 288. The ball and socket coupling 290allows the retractable pin 288 to move relative to the lever arm 272 asneeded during reconfiguration of the respective first roller assembly240. The retractable pin 288 has a shank 296 sized to fit through theslot 198 of a respective first guide's outboard leg 188, through thehole 246 in the assembly's foot 242, and through the first and secondholes 194, 196 (albeit not through both the first and second holes 194,196 at the same time) of the respective first guide's inboard leg 186.When the retractable pin 288 resides within the first hole 194 of therespective first guide's inboard leg 186 (see FIG. 4), the rocking chair100 is configured in its first configuration (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4).When the retractable pin 288 resides within the second hole 196 of therespective first guide's inboard leg 186 (see FIG. 5), the rocking chair100 is configured in its second configuration (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Thebiasing member 284 exerts a biasing force tending to maintain theretractable pin 288 in its then current position (and, hence, tends tomaintain the first roller assembly 240 and rocking chair 100 in theirthen current configuration), but permits a user to apply a force to thecap 286 and lever arm's first end 274 in a direction generally towardthe rocking chair 100 and sufficient to overcome the biasing force inorder to retract the retractable pin 288 from the first or second hole194, 196 of the respective first guide's inboard leg 186 duringrepositioning of the respective first roller assembly 240 relative tothe respective first guide 182 and reconfiguration of the rocking chair100.

In addition to each leg end repositioning assembly 180 including a firstroller assembly 240 attached to each first descending segment 174 ofeach leg 152 as described above, each leg end repositioning assembly 180includes a second roller assembly 300 attached to each second descendingsegment 176 of each leg 152. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, eachsecond roller assembly 300 comprises a foot 302 coupled at the secondend 172 of each leg 152 and in which a roller 304 is mounted forrotation about a laterally extending axis passing through hole 303. Thefoot 302 and roller 304 are sized so as to fit laterally between theinboard and outboard legs 210, 212 of a respective second guide 184,thereby enabling rolling of the roller 304 between the inboard andoutboard legs 210, 212 atop and relative to the upper surface 158 of arespective runner 150 and enabling translation of the second end 172 ofthe respective leg 152 relative to the upper surface 158 of therespective runner 150. The foot 302 defines a hole 306 extendinglaterally through the foot 302.

As seen in FIG. 9, each second roller assembly 300 also comprises a pin308 having a head 310 on the pin's outboard side and has a shank 312that extends through the slots 218, 224 of the respective second guide'sinboard and outboard legs 210, 212 and through the foot's hole 306. Anut 314 on the pin's inboard side secures the pin's shank 312 within theslots 218, 224 and hole 306. When the second roller assembly 300 is in afirst position nearest the respective second guide's first end 214 (seeFIG. 4), the pin 308 resides at the first ends 220, 226 of the slots218, 224 and the rocking chair 100 is configured in its firstconfiguration (see FIGS. 1 and 2). When the second roller assembly 300is in a second position nearest the respective second guide's second end216 (see FIG. 5), the pin 308 resides at the second ends 222, 228 of theslots 218, 224 and the rocking chair 100 is configured in its secondconfiguration (see FIG. 3). During re-positioning and reconfiguration ofthe second roller assembly 300 relative to the respective second guide184 between the first and second positions (and, hence, between thefirst and second configurations of the rocking chair 100), the pin'sshank 312 slides within slots 218, 224 and slides along and in contactwith the second guide's inboard and outboard legs 210, 212.

As described briefly above, the lockable/releasable swivel assembly 106is mounted between the chair's upper and lower portions 102, 104 suchthat the upper portion 102 is rotatable relative to the lower portion104 about a generally vertical longitudinal axis 108. FIG. 10 displaysthe swivel assembly 106 and its component parts in more detail. Theswivel assembly 106 comprises an upper mounting plate 320 and an opposedlower mounting plate 322 that are rotatable about longitudinal axis 108.The upper and lower mounting plates 320, 322 each define circular races324, 326 that receive a bearing ring 328 therein to form a sandwich-likestructure in which the races 324, 326 oppose one another. The bearingring 328 comprises a substantially planar annular ring 330 defining aplurality of holes 332 extending therethrough between the ring's upperand lower surfaces. A corresponding plurality of ball bearings 334 aresecured within the plurality of holes 332 such that each hole 332receives a ball bearing 334 that may rotate within and relative to itsrespective hole 332 and races 324, 326, thereby enabling and permittingrelative rotation between the upper and lower mounting plates 320, 322while supporting and transferring loads (such as, for example and notlimitation, the user's weight and the weight of the various componentsof the chair's upper portion 102) from the upper mounting plate 320 tothe lower mounting plate 322.

The upper mounting plate 320 has upper and lower surfaces 336, 338 andhas a main body 340 extending between the upper and lower surfaces 336,338. The main body 340 defines race 324 therein and a bore 344 extendingthrough the main body 340 between the plate's upper and lower surfaces336, 338 that is centrally-located about longitudinal axis 108. The bore344 receives a fastener 346 and coupling 348 therein to secure the uppermounting plate 320, bearing ring 328, and lower mounting plate 322together. The upper mounting plate 320 also has a plurality of lobes 350that extend outward from the plate's main body 340. The lobes 350 definerespective holes 352 extending therethrough between the plate's upperand lower surfaces 336, 338. Each hole 352 is located so as to coaxiallyalign with a similar hole defined in a short leg 122 of frame member120. Each hole 352 receives a fastener 354 therein which fixedly securesthe upper mounting plate 320 (and, hence, the swivel assembly 106) toframe member 120 and beneath the chair's seat 114.

Similar to the upper mounting plate 320, the swivel assembly's lowermounting plate 322 has upper and lower surfaces 360, 362 and has a mainbody 364 extending between the upper and lower surfaces 360, 362. Themain body 364 defines race 326 therein and a bore 368 extending throughthe main body 364 between the plate's upper and lower surfaces 360, 362that is centrally-located about longitudinal axis 108 and coaxiallyaligned with bore 344 of the upper mounting plate 320. Similar to bore344 of the upper mounting plate 320, the bore 368 receives fastener 346and coupling 348 therein which secures the upper mounting plate 320,bearing ring 328, and lower mounting plate 322 together. The lowermounting plate 322 also has a plurality of lobes 370 that extend outwardfrom the plate's main body 364. The lobes 370 define respective holes372 extending therethrough between the plate's upper and lower surfaces360, 362. Each hole 372 is located so as to coaxially align with asimilar hole defined in an intermediate segment 178 of a respective leg152. Each hole 372 receives a fastener 374 therein which fixedly securesthe lower mounting plate 322 (and, hence, the swivel assembly 106) toand generally above chair legs 152.

The swivel assembly 106 further comprises a latch subassembly 380 forlocking the rocking chair's upper and lower portions 102, 104 in thechair's first or second configurations and for releasing the upper andlower portions 102, 104 from one another so as to permit reconfigurationof the rocking chair 100 (and repositioning of the upper and lowerportions 102, 104 relative to one another) between the first and secondconfigurations. The latch subassembly 380 includes a rotation controlring 382 and a latch pin retaining member 384 that, together, limitrelative rotation between the swivel assembly's upper and lower mountingplates 320, 322 about longitudinal axis 108, thereby also limitingrelative rotation between the chair's upper and lower portions 102, 104about longitudinal axis 108. More particularly, the rotation controlring 382 and latch pin retaining member 384 limit such relative rotationto an angle having a measure of approximately ninety degrees (90°) and,therefore, limit relative rotation of chair's upper and lower portions102, 104 between their orientations in the chair's first and secondconfigurations.

The rotation control ring 382 comprises an arcuately-shaped member 386that extends in a generally vertical direction and partially aroundlongitudinal axis 108. The arcuately-shaped member 386 has an inboardsurface 388 and an opposed outboard surface 390, and has a first end 392and distant second end 394. The rotation control ring 382 also compriseslobes 396 which extend in a generally perpendicular direction from andrelative to the outboard surface 390 of the arcuately-shaped member 386at locations respectively near the member's first and second ends 392,394. Each lobe 396 defines a hole 398 extending therethrough andcoaxially aligned with a respective hole 372 of a lobe 370 of lowermounting plate 322 and with a respective hole of an intermediate segment178 of a respective leg 152. The rotation control ring 382 and its lobes396 are positioned such that fasteners 374 secure the lobes 396 atop andadjacent to respective lobes 370 of the swivel assembly's lower mountingplate 322.

The rotation control ring 382 additionally comprises a pair of stops400, 402 that protrude from the outboard surface 390 of thearcuately-shaped member 386 at locations respectively near the member'sfirst and second ends 392, 394. The arcuately-shaped member 386 definesa pair of holes 404, 406 corresponding to the pair of stops 400, 402 andextending between the inboard and outboard surfaces 388, 390 thereof.The holes 404, 406 are, more particularly, located at respective angularlocations between the stops 400, 402, with hole 404 being located nearand associated with stop 400 and hole 406 being located near andassociated with stop 402. Also, hole 404 and stop 400 are associatedwith and correspond to the rocking chair 100 being configured in itsfirst configuration, while hole 406 and stop 402 are associated with andcorrespond to the rocking chair 100 being configured in its secondconfiguration.

The latch pin retaining member 384 of the latch subassembly 380comprises a substantially planar portion 410 having an upper surface 412and an opposed lower surface 414. The substantially planar portion 410has a pair of lobes 416 extending therefrom that correspond to a pair ofrespective lobes 350 of the swivel assembly's upper mounting plate 320.Each lobe 416 defines a respective hole 418 extending through portion410 and between the portion's upper and lower surfaces 412, 414. Eachhole 418 is coaxially aligned with a corresponding hole 352 of a lobe350 of upper mounting plate 320 such that a respective fastener 354extending through a hole 418 also extends through a hole 352 and securesa lobe 416 of portion 410 adjacent to and beneath a corresponding lobe350 of the swivel assembly's upper mounting plate 320. Through suchconnection, portion 410 of latch pin retaining member 384 (and, hence,latch pin retaining member 384) moves in unison with the swivelassembly's upper mounting plate 320 when the swivel assembly's uppermounting plate 320 is rotated about longitudinal axis 108.

The latch pin retaining member 384 further comprises a pair of opposedguides 420 that depend from and are substantially perpendicular to thelower surface 414 of portion 410. The guides 420 define respectivecoaxially aligned bores 422 extending therethrough. The latchsubassembly 380 also comprises an elongate latch pin 424 that has afirst end 426 and a distant second end 428, and that extends throughguide bores 422 such that the latch pin 424 translates within the guidebores 422. The latch pin 424 has a substantially round cross-section, ischamfered at its first end 426, and has a user interface cap 430 securedto its second end 428. The latch pin 424 defines a groove 432 extendingthereabout at a location intermediate the pin's first and second ends426, 428. A biasing member 434 and washer 436 are positioned about thelatch pin 424 between guides 420. A retaining clip 438 resides partiallywithin the groove 432 to retain the washer 436 adjacent to the biasingmember 434 such that when a user applies a force to user interface cap430 in a direction away from the arcuately-shaped member 386 of therotation control ring 382, the latch pin's first end 426 translates inthe same direction and the washer 436 exerts a force compressing thebiasing member 434 against the outboard guide 420. Upon subsequentremoval of the force applied to the user interface cap 430, the biasingmember 434 expands and exerts a force on washer 436 and retaining clip438 causing the latch pin's first end 426 to translate toward thearcuately-shaped member 386 of the rotation control ring 382. Accordingto the example embodiment, the biasing member 434 comprises acompression spring, but other forms of biasing member 434 may beutilized in other example embodiments.

The latch pin 424 and first end 426 thereof are sized to fit into andwithin holes 404, 406 of the arcuately-shaped member 386. When the latchpin 424 resides within hole 404, the inboard guide 420 of the latch pinretaining member 384 is in contact with stop 400 and the rocking chair100 is configured in its first configuration. When the latch pin 424resides within hole 406, the inboard guide 420 of the latch pinretaining member 386 is in contact with stop 402 and the rocking chair100 is configured in its second configuration. The force exerted by thebiasing member 434 (when no overcoming force is applied by a user) tendsto maintain the latch pin 424 resident within one of holes 404, 406, asthe case may be. When a user applies a sufficient force to userinterface cap 430 as described above, the latch pin 424 translates outof a hole 404, 406, thereby permitting the chair's upper portion 102,swivel assembly's upper mounting plate 320, and latch pin retainingmember 386 to rotate about longitudinal axis 108 between their positionsin the chair's first and second configurations. During rotation ineither angular direction about longitudinal axis 108, contact andengagement between stops 400, 402 and inboard guide 420 of the latch pinretaining member 386 prevent the chair's upper portion 102, swivelassembly's upper mounting plate 320, and latch pin retaining member 386from rotating more than ninety degrees (90°).

According to the example embodiment, the chair's components aregenerally manufactured from metallic materials such as, but not limitedto, stainless steel or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated andunderstood that the chair's components may be manufactured from othermaterials as desired, necessary, or appropriate.

In use, the reconfigurable rocking chair 100 is operable to move a userin a traditional, forward and backward, first rocking motion in thefirst configuration or in a non-traditional, side-to-side, secondrocking motion in the second configuration. When the reconfigurablerocking chair 100 is configured in the first configuration, the rockingchair 100 reconfigures into the second configuration in response to auser initiating repositioning of the chair's legs 152 into theirrespective second positions relative to the chair's runners 150 andinitiating repositioning of the chair's upper portion 102 and seat 114into a second position relative to the chair's lower portion 104.Repositioning of the chair's legs 152 into their respective secondpositions is initiated when the caps 286 secured to the lever arms 272of the actuator mechanisms 260 of the leg end repositioning mechanisms180 attached to the first descending segments 174 of the legs 152concurrently receive the exertion of respective forces tending to pushthe caps 286 away from the chair's seat 114 and overcoming therespective forces applied to the lever arms 272 by the biasing members284. Upon receiving the application of such forces, the retractable pins288 retract from holes 194 of guides 182 and allow rolling of therollers 244, 304 of the roller assemblies 240, 300 atop the uppersurfaces 158 of the runners 150 and within guides 182, 184 (and, hence,movement of the chair's legs 152 relative to the runners 150) betweentheir first position in the first configuration and their secondposition in the second configuration. During rolling, the retractablepins 288 slide with slots 198 of the outboard legs 188 of the firstguides 182 from the slots' first ends 200 and second ends 202, and theshanks 312 of pins 308 slide within slots 218, 224 along and in contactwith the second guides' inboard and outboard legs 210, 212. Upon removalof the respective forces on the caps 286, the forces exerted by biasingmembers 284 on the lever arms 270 cause pivoting of the lever arms 270and retractable pins 288 to become inserted into and present withinholes 196 of guides 182, thereby then preventing movement of the chair'slegs 152 relative to the runners 150 and securing the chair's legs 152in their second positions relative to the runners 150. When the chair'slegs 152 are in their second positions relative to the runners 150, thechair's center of gravity is located generally midway between the firstand second ends 154, 156 of the chair's runners 150, thereby enablingand enhancing rocking in a non-traditional, side-to-side, second rockingmotion.

Initiation of the repositioning of the chair's upper portion 102 andseat 114 into a second position relative to the chair's lower portion104 occurs when a user exerts a force on the user interface cap 430 ofthe latch pin retaining member 384 of the latch subassembly 380 ofswivel assembly 106 causing compression of biasing member 434 andremoval of the latch pin 424 from hole 404 of rotation control ring 386.Once latch pin 424 is removed from hole 404, the swivel assembly's uppermounting plate 320 is rotatable about longitudinal axis 108 relative tothe lower mounting plate 322 and the chair's upper portion 102 isrotatable relative to the chair's lower portion 104. Upon the subsequentapplication of an appropriate rotational force by a user, the chair'supper portion 102 rotates relative to the chair's lower portion 104 intothe second position of the chair's second configuration. Afterrepositioning into the second position, removal of force from the userinterface cap 430 allows biasing member 434 to exert a force on thelatch pin 424 causing insertion of the latch pin 424 into hole 406,thereby then preventing rotation of the chair's upper portion 102relative to the chair's lower portion 104 and securing the chair's upperand lower portions 102, 104 in their second position.

When the reconfigurable rocking chair 100 is configured in the secondconfiguration, the rocking chair 100 reconfigures into the firstconfiguration in response to a user initiating repositioning of thechair's legs 152 into their respective first positions relative to thechair's runners 150 and initiating repositioning of the chair's upperportion 102 and seat 114 into the first position relative to the chair'slower portion 104. Repositioning of the chair's legs 152 andrepositioning of the chair's upper portion 102 and seat 114 into theirfirst positions occurs, essentially, when the steps described above forreconfiguring of the chair's legs 152 and upper portion 102 in theirfirst positions are reversed.

Whereas the present invention has been described in detail above withrespect to an example embodiment and configurations thereof, it shouldbe appreciated that variations and modifications might be effectedwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A reconfigurable rocking chair, said reconfigurable rocking chaircomprising: an upper portion; a lower portion including a runner havinga first end; a swivel assembly operable to rotate said upper portionrelative to said lower portion, said swivel assembly beingrepositionable relative to said first end of said runner.
 2. Thereconfigurable rocking chair of claim 1, wherein said reconfigurablerocking chair has a center of gravity, wherein said swivel assembly isrepositionable between a first position relative to said first end ofsaid runner and a second position relative to said first end of saidrunner, and wherein said center of gravity is nearer said first end ofsaid runner when said swivel assembly is in said first position andfarther from said first end of said runner when said swivel assembly isin said second position.
 3. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim 1,wherein said swivel assembly is repositionable between a first positionrelative to said first end of said runner and a second position relativeto said first end of said runner, and wherein said reconfigurablerocking chair is configured for rocking forward and backward when saidswivel assembly is in said first position and for rocking side-to-sidewhen said swivel assembly is in said second position.
 4. Thereconfigurable rocking chair of claim 1, wherein said swivel assembly iscoupled to said upper portion, and wherein said swivel assembly and saidupper portion are repositionable in unison relative to said first end ofsaid runner.
 5. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim 4, whereinsaid upper portion is rotatable relative to said lower portion about alongitudinal axis between a first configuration and a secondconfiguration, and wherein said reconfigurable rocking chair isconfigured for rocking forward and backward when said upper portion isin said first configuration and for rocking side-to-side when said upperportion is in said second configuration.
 6. The reconfigurable rockingchair of claim 5, wherein said upper portion is lockable in at least oneof said first configuration and said second configuration.
 7. Thereconfigurable rocking chair of claim 6, wherein said upper portionincludes a seat and a back for said seat.
 8. A reconfigurable rockingchair, said reconfigurable rocking chair comprising: a seat; and anundercarriage including a pair of runners and a pair of legs, each saidrunner having a first end and a distant second end, and each said legbeing repositionable relative to a respective said runner between afirst configuration and a second configuration; wherein the center ofgravity of said reconfigurable rocking chair is nearer said first end ofeach said runner in said first configuration and farther from said firstend of each said runner in said second configuration.
 9. Thereconfigurable rocking chair of claim 8, wherein the center of gravityof said reconfigurable rocking chair is substantially midway betweensaid first end of each said runner and said second end of each saidrunner in said second configuration.
 10. The reconfigurable rockingchair of claim 8, wherein said reconfigurable rocking chair isconfigured for a forward and backward rocking motion in said firstconfiguration and for a side-to-side rocking motion in said secondconfiguration.
 11. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim 8, whereineach said leg is nearer said first end of a respective said runner insaid first configuration and nearer said second end of a respective saidrunner in said second configuration.
 12. The reconfigurable rockingchair of claim 8, wherein each said runner has an upper surfaceextending between said first end and said second end, and wherein eachsaid leg has a leg end movable relative to said upper surface of arespective said runner.
 13. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim12, wherein said leg end of each said leg is adapted to roll atop saidupper surface of a respective said runner.
 14. The reconfigurablerocking chair of claim 8, wherein at least one of said legs is adaptedfor locking in at least one of said first configuration and said secondconfiguration.
 15. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim 8, whereinsaid seat is rotatable relative to said undercarriage.
 16. Areconfigurable rocking chair, said reconfigurable rocking chaircomprising: a seat; and an undercarriage including a pair of runners anda pair of legs, wherein each said runner has a first end and a distantsecond end, and wherein said legs are adapted for movement relative tosaid runners between a first configuration in which each said leg isnearer said first end of a respective said runner and a secondconfiguration in which each said leg is nearer said second end of arespective said runner.
 17. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim16, wherein said legs and said runners are adapted for rolling of saidlegs on said runners.
 18. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim 17,wherein said reconfigurable rocking chair further comprises a mechanismadapted to prevent rolling of said legs on said runners.
 19. Thereconfigurable rocking chair of claim 16, wherein said reconfigurablerocking chair further comprises a swivel assembly secured atop saidundercarriage and between said seat and said undercarriage, said swivelassembly being adapted to enable rotation of said seat relative to saidundercarriage.
 20. The reconfigurable rocking chair of claim 19, whereinsaid swivel assembly is further adapted to selectively lock said seat ina position relative to said undercarriage.